Manchester United squandered two golden opportunities to snatch all three points against Newcastle, with Fred firing wide and Marcus Rashford heading off target
Erik ten Hag was left ruing two late chances Manchester United failed to convert after they were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils only managed to direct two of their 15 shots on target as they were kept at bay by a resolute defensive performance from the Magpies. Marcus Rashford made a positive impact from the bench after replacing an enraged Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half and nearly teed-up Fred in the 88th minute.
However, the Brazilian fired wide before Rashford himself headed wide of Nick Pope’s goal with seconds remaining at Old Trafford. Ten Hag confessed the Englishman “had to score” as he lamented two Premier League points dropped, insisting his side should have emerged victorious.
The performance was good, a clean sheet, we pressed well, we controlled the game and in stages we were good on the ball – especially in the second half,” Ten Hag told BBC Match of the Day. “Then, we dictated the game and in the end we could – we should – have score the winning goal. One from Fred, and then Rashford had to score.
“In the end, we could have got the win, we deserved the win, and it is a big compliment to the team that we deserved this with a physical performance against one of the most physical teams in the league. They [Newcastle players] all had cramp and we kept going. The team understands from front to back we cooperate together. We are hard to beat and we must keep that going.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe admitted he was relieved when the full-time whistle blew, saying: “Especially in the first half, I thought we were very good. Joelinton had the two chances when he hit the woodwork, we could potentially have had a penalty for the challenge on Callum Wilson. We lost our way really in the second half and I’m glad the full-time whistle has gone.
The Rashford header is a big moment. We did really well to contain them but that’s the one that possibly could have lost us the game but the players didn’t deserve that.”
The Magpies are sixth in the table, one spot behind the Red Devils, having lost just one of their 10 league games this season. Howe added: “Yeah you’d take that. It’s been a very positive start to the season, the players have given everything and that’s all you can ask for. The team spirit is very high at the moment.”
- Manchester United return to action on Wednesday as they host high-flying Tottenham, while Newcastle take on Everton.
